Hundreds of Qualified Applicants Battle for the Coveted Role of the RunWESTIN Concierge Through Partnership with Rock 'n' Roll MarathonSeries

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- It's the job runners have been training for all their lives, and now there are just two weeks left to apply! Westin® Hotels is nearing the finish line in its search for its first-ever resident running expert. The global hotel brand is actively seeking experienced, passionate runners to join them on the road and serve as the on-site running expert for Westin VIPs participating in select Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series events. More than 400 candidates have been vetted for the sought-after role and additional runners are encouraged to apply at www.runwestinconcierge.com through June 30, 2013.

This fall the chosen candidate will begin the journey of a lifetime, traveling to over 10 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon destinations across the U.S. to give Westin guests a leg up on the competition. From pre-race training to the finish line, the RunWESTIN Concierge will act as a personal marathon coach, engaging with runners and sharing training and race advice, leading warm-up runs and lending recovery tips.

"Speaking as a passionate runner, the RunWESTIN Concierge is a dream job for running enthusiasts," said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts and Le Meridien. "It's an extraordinary opportunity to travel to amazing cities doing exactly what you love while inspiring others along the way, and get paid for it."

The search for the RunWESTIN Concierge is not limited to hospitality experts. Avid runners with a passion for travel are encouraged to apply. The key qualifications include a positive, charismatic personality with a natural ability to engage and motivate others, a strong familiarity with social media and experience in completing multiple marathons. In this role, the concierge will be responsible for sharing their in-depth knowledge of marathon running and training to improve performance and build and maintain rapport with Westin guests through social media.

Final Call to the Starting Line: Apply Now

It is not too late to be considered for this job of a lifetime. Westin is issuing a "last call" for applications for the RunWestin Concierge position.The search is scheduled to continue through June 30.

To apply, each candidate must submit an application as well as complete Westin's Running Questionnaire by June 30. Ten quarter-finalists will be asked to submit a video of up to three minutes that demonstrates their training philosophy and vibrant personality. The five semi-finalists will be invited to interview in-person at Starwood Corporate Headquarters and three finalists will receive a trip to the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Chicago to prove that they should be chosen to become the new RunWESTIN Concierge. The winner will make their first appearance at the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, September 13-15.

Reaffirming its commitment to guests' health and wellness, Westin has partnered with the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series to offer a collection of premier marathon packages designed to remove the stresses of traveling for a race so runners can focus on their run and perform at their best, especially for first time racers. The partnership, which builds on Westin's existing RunWESTIN program, allows race participants to book a personalized VIP marathon experience in key markets across North America.

Starting June 20, guests can purchase the VIP Marathon Package designed to help runners meet their personal goals with ultimate comfort and convenience. The package is available in seven race markets in 2013 including Montreal, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with additional 2014 races included on a rolling basis. Catering to both experienced and novice marathoners, the VIP Marathon Package offers everything from VIP race bib pick up, pre-race pasta dinners, access to the brand's VIP Recovery Tent and ice bags delivered to guest rooms post-race, all designed to provide runners with the ultimate race experience.

Westin Hotels & Resorts offers innovative programs that transform every aspect of a stay into a revitalizing experience. All Westin signature services - like the Heavenly Bed®, delicious SuperFoodsRX® and WestinWORKOUT® studio - have been designed with the guests' well-being in mind. Westin hotels,with more than 190 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,146 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series

Organized by Competitor Group, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is the 'World's Largest Running Series' with more than 500,000 runners taking part in thirty-one destination events around the world. What started as a simple idea—the idea of making running fun-- soon transformed the U.S. running landscape by infusing the race course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations. The outdoor festivals encapsulate cities in their entirety and culminate with a finish line festival featuring a concert headlined by some of the best music acts around. Over the 16-year history of the series, charity partners have raised more than $295 million through the events for a variety of worthy causes. Today, the series of entertainment themed marathons and half-marathons has spread to 31 cities around the world and continues to enjoy great appeal for the traveling runner, tremendous local support and has firmly established itself as a dynamic running platform. For more information, or to register for an event, please visit RunRocknRoll.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.